FAQ

Should I use a “specially designed” tanning lotion?

Yes! Science has embraced beauty to create Indoor Tanning Lotions. Specially formulated tanning lotions are jam-packed and enriched with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial ingredients to help get you tan FAST. They replenish the skin and are essential for proper skin care, while helping to achieve a healthier-looking, longer-lasting tan. They also help you get more value for each tanning session. Healthy skin tans faster, darker, and retains a tan longer

If I get really hot in a bed or booth, am I getting a better tan?

When you lay out in the sun to tan, you usually get really hot, so many times this is associated with getting tan. However, although the heat and the UV light both come from the sun, only the UV light affects tanning. This is why skiers can get sunburn in the middle of winter. If the sun is out, there is UV light reaching you, even when it’s cold out. The same thing is true with tanning bulbs. If you get too hot while tanning, it could indicate that there isn’t enough air conditioning at that facility, or the ventilation is poor. You should be comfortable while tanning. Since heat won’t give you better results – why put up with it?

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?

When you tan at an indoor tanning facility, your skin produces a tan the same way it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. There is one important difference, though. When you are out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is affected by changes in the atmosphere. Indoor tanning is one way to regulate the amount of UV light you are exposed to, because it is a controlled environment. You can gradually increase your exposure time to make sure you don’t get a sunburn, which is harmful to the skin.

If I never can get a tan outside because I burn, can I get a tan indoors?

If it takes you a while to get a tan outside, it may be easier for you to get the color you want (brown instead of red) by tanning indoors. You would need to start with a short exposure time, and increase it very gradually. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun, you will not tan from tanning lamps, since they emit the very same tanning rays as the sun does.

How often should I tan?

In order to build a tan, it is important to tan regularly. Don’t let too much time go by between visits, or your tan will begin to fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours, but it is generally recommended that you wait at least 48 hours in between each session to allow your tan to fully develop in between visits. You can build up your tan by going to an indoor tanning facility three to four times a week. Once you have a tan, you can maintain it by tanning two or three times a week.

How long does it take to get a tan?

Usually, you will begin to notice results after a few tanning sessions, but it may take a few weeks of regular tanning (at least three times a week) to get to the color you are looking for. If you are developing a base tan before going on a trip, you would want to start tanning about three or four weeks before you go.

Can indoor tanning cure acne?

Phototherapy (use of UV light) has been used in treating the skin problems of this condition. Tanning dries the skin and this can help keep acne outbreaks to a minimum in acute cases and can help eliminate outbreaks in mild cases. There are also many drugs, including tetracycline and Retin-A, which are also used for the treatment of acne and because these drugs can render the skin photosensitive, one must avoid UV exposure or take extreme care when medicated. The use of UV light for acne treatment should only be administered by a qualified physician. The Food and Drug Administration prohibits indoor tanning equipment operators from asserting that UV light is beneficial for any purpose other than cosmetic coloring.

What should I wear?

Some people choose to tan in their bathing suits or underwear, and others prefer a more “natural” approach. Since you are in a private room while tanning, you can wear whatever you like. The only thing required is that you do wear eye protection every time you tan, because eyes are unable to protect themselves from UV light, even when they are closed, and the light can cause temporary and permanent damage to them. Many different eye protection options are available at all tanning facilities. If you are tanning a previously unexposed part of your body, be sure to cover it up for part of your tanning time, so it can catch up safely with the rest of your tan.

How long should my first tanning session be and how often should I tan?

It depends on your individual skin type and the level of equipment. Our friendly Smart Tan Certified salon associates will evaluate your skin type to determine the time progression for your first 3 to 7 sessions, and the type of equipment that will best suit you.

Do I have to wear eyewear?

Yes! Your eyes are sensitive to UV light and should not be exposed while tanning. A tan is created by UV light penetrating the upper layers of the skin. The skin on your eyelids is the thinnest on your body, and is not thick enough to sufficiently block UV light. Also, it is a federal law! If you neglect to wear your eye protection you are putting yourself at risk for night blindness, color blindness, and cataracts among other things!

Can I tan naked?

Sure. But remember the parts of your body that have previously been exposed to the sun can tolerate more exposure. You should expose the areas of your body that have not been exposed to UV light gradually. If you choose to tan naked, your session length should be tailored to your most sun-sensitive areas.

Why do you recommend tanning indoors over outdoors?

When you tan outside, there are many variables including time of year, time of day, cloud cover and altitude. Tanning indoors will give you a pre-set time and a constant, dependable, much lower UV exposure so you won’t burn as easily and you won’t have to guess what kind of color you’re going to get.

What are these dry, white patches on my back, chest, and/or arms?

These white patches are called “tinea versicolor.” It is a yeast type of skin fungus similar to dandruff. It’s naturally occurring, and is generally invisible. However, sometimes it forms in clusters on your skin. This fungus does not tan, so when the skin around it starts to darken, that’s when it becomes noticeable little white spots. Sometimes the spots will clear up on their own, but any over-the-counter fungal cream will work fine. We offer a product called Halt that you can use in the shower every day until they clear up (usually within a few days). However, if symptoms worsen or become bothersome, you should consult a dermatologist.

Why do I sometimes smell bad after tanning?

That smell is known as “after tan odor” and it is caused by friendly bacteria on the surface of the skin. The smell is the result from the bacteria when your body/skin gets hot from a tanning bed. Our lotions contain specific antibacterial ingredients to eliminate that “after tan odor.”

Can I Take Medications While Tanning?

Certain drugs, foods, perfumes, and cosmetics may contain ingredients that could make your skin super-sensitive when exposed to UV light, whether tanning indoors outdoors in the sun. It is usually best to remove cosmetics and perfumes before tanning. Before starting a new medication or changing a prescription, it is always best to refer to the guidelines or consult with your physician or pharmacist regarding potential effects of the medication when exposed to sunlight or tanning lamps. Some medications may contain “photosensitizing” agents that, when exposed to UV light, could cause a skin irritation or rash. Tetracycline and Retin-A, drugs widely used for the treatment of acne and some birth control pills are a few of the medications known to have the potential to be photosensitive. While you may not necessarily experience a reaction from the medication, it is always best to be aware of potential reactions. Stop in our salon for a list of photosensitizing medications.

What Causes An Itch After Tanning?

A number of skin irritations may accompany indoor tanning at one time or another. Among these are rashes, itches, dry skin or white spots. An itch may occur from a reduced rate of melanin production in a particular area of the body, usually the stomach, chest, or other areas that have had minimal exposure to sunlight or tanning for a prolonged period. It’s normally temporary, and more of a nuisance than a real problem. This is usually a result of over stimulation of the nerve endings. It is best to tan no more than every other day until you get your skin accustomed to more frequent UV exposure. Try a good aloe product for itch relief, and remember to use a good daily moisturizer regularly after tanning to prevent your skin from drying out, which could also be a contributor to the itching sensation. If the itch persists or gets worse, consult your dermatologist.

How Do I Protect A Fresh Tattoo?

It is important not to expose a fresh tattoo to sunlight or indoor tanning equipment, as the ink used in tattoos is UV sensitive. Cover the tattooed area completely or don’t tan until the skin has healed. However, even after the skin is healed, tattoos will still fade with continued exposure to UV light, whether it comes from indoors or from outdoors. Use a non-petroleum lip balm of at least SPF 18 or our specially formulated Tattoo Stick to protect and preserve the brilliancy of your tattoo. As an added bonus, lip balms and tattoo sticks can be used to protect other areas of your body that are more sensitive to UV exposure.

I’m tanning, but my legs aren’t getting as dark as the rest of me?

The skin on your legs is thicker than other parts of your body and when you shave your legs you are mechanically exfoliating the uppermost skin cells and part of your tan.

Do I have to take my contact lenses out when tanning indoors?

Always wear proper sunlamp goggles. Most people have no trouble whatsoever leaving their contact lenses in while tanning indoors. Heat from the sunlamps may cause dryness and mild to moderate discomfort for some contact lens wearers. Try tanning with your contact lenses in. If you find this uncomfortable, then take them out before tanning next time.

Is indoor tanning the same as tanning outside in the sun?

Your skin produces a tan the same way in an indoor tanning salon as it does when you lay out in the sun: through ultraviolet (UV) light. However, out in the sun, you cannot control the amount of UV light exposure and trying to achieve an all-over even-body tan is very difficult. Indoor tanning allows you to control the amount of UV light, for all all-over even tan. With indoor tanning you can gradually increase your exposure time eliminating any sunburn, which is harmful to the skin.

Indoor tanning technology includes an exposure schedule that factors in individual skin type and appropriate time exposure.

With convenient indoor tanning you can tan at any time and aren’t limited to daylight hours or weather conditions.

With private indoor tanning you can tan in the nude or partially nude to eliminate tan lines.

You can help ensure that you won’t get a sunburn when following an appropriate time exposure.

Outdoor sun exposure is an uncontrollable environment as no one can control the sun.

Outdoor exposure varies in intensity depending on such factors as altitude, cloud cover, air pollutants, reflective surfaces, times of day, time of year, and proximity to the equator.

The controlled environment and the ability to time your UV exposure to the minute makes burning less likely with a tanning bed than with outdoor sun exposure

If I never can get a tan outside because I burn, can I get a tan indoors?

It may be easier to get the desired color by tanning indoors. Begin with a short exposure time and increase it very gradually. A tanning professional can help you determine the best exposure time for your skin type. However, if you NEVER tan from the sun, you will not tan from tanning lamps, as they imitate the sun.

How often should I tan?

To build an awesome tan, tan regularly. Allowing too much time between visits will cause your tan to fade. You can tan up to once every 24 hours, however it’s recommended that you allow 48 hours in between each session to permit your tan to fully develop in between visits. Once you are tan, you can maintain your tan with visits of two or three times a week in a base bed and once every 10 days in the best upgrade equipment. Also, to help prolong the life of your tan, make sure to keep your skin moisturized with a high quality specially formulated-for-tanning lotion.

How long can my tanning bed session be the first time?

Your first session length will depend upon your skin tone and type, and your tanning professional will ask you to fill out a skin analysis to help determine your skin type. Also taken into consideration is how long it has been since you last tanned. The most common skin type is Type 3, who typically tan for 10-12 minutes the first time in a machine that has a 15 minute maximum

How long does it take to get a tan?

You’ll notice results after your very first session. To build a base tan most people need 3-5 sessions to get the color desired. If you need an instant tan, you should consider Spray-on Tanning or for the fastest tan a combination of regular tanning equipment and spray-on. Going on a vacation? Tan before you go and allow a few weeks of tanning prior to your trip. We recommend using a specially formulated lotion to increase your tanning potential and keep your skin feeling healthy and soft.

Can tanning cause wrinkles?

Maybe. And your skin will wrinkle if you don’t tan. Age, Diet, Genetics, certain behaviors (smoking cigarettes) and environmental pollution can wrinkle your skin more than moderate sun tanning. Overexposure, not moderate exposure, can cause the skin to wrinkle and therefore, it is advised to avoid overexposure.

How do the beds and booths work?

Tanning beds and booths basically imitate the sun. The sun emits three kinds of UV rays (the ones that make you tan). UV-C has the shortest wavelength of the three, and is also the most harmful. The sun emits UV-C light, but then it’s absorbed by the ozone layer and pollution. Tanning lamps filter out this type of UV light. UV-B, the middle wavelength, starts the tanning process, but overexposure can cause sunburn. UV-A has the longest wavelength, and it completes the tanning process. Tanning lamps use the best ratio of UV-B and UV-A light to provide optimal tanning results, with a lowered risk of overexposure.

When shouldn’t I tan?

It is not recommended to tan, either outdoors or indoors, if you are taking photosensitizing medication. If you aren’t sure, ask your doctor, or ask a tanning consultant at your tanning facility to see a list of these medications, which can greatly increase the risk of overexposure. You should also avoid tanning if you are pregnant, due to the heat, unless your doctor approves it.

Is it necessary to hydrate the skin before using That’so Sun Makeup?

A hydrating lotion should be used regularly in order to keep the skin hydrated and soft. Daily skin care will contribute to the beauty of the tan, prolonging the results.

However, the hydrating lotion CANNOT be put on the face or the body just prior to the spray treatment (from 2 hours before to 4 hours after), as it may have an influence on the penetration of the product on the skin, or cause possible spots and streaks.

After the application spray, how much time does it take before one sees the results of the That’so Sun Makeup tanning?

If the lotion used in the TS 765 AutoBronzer or in the TS 44 MT Spray Gun sprayer is enriched with bronzer, the outcome will be immediate. The color generated by the bronzer will only remain visible until the first shower.

The colors of the self-tanning agents, instead, will start to develop from 2 to 4 hours after the application, becoming more intense in the 6 hours that will follow.

For this reason, avoid water sports, intense activities that cause sweating, showers and aesthetic treatments in the course of the 6 hours that follow the treatment, so that the substances sprayed adhere perfectly to the skin, providing an intense and homogenous tan.

How much time does a That’so Sun Makeup tanning last?

The tanning created by That´so Sun Makeup products is a treatment that reacts with the most superficial layer of the skin, which is naturally subject to exfoliation.

The duration of the tanning is related to the life cycle of the superficial layers of the epidermis which is approximately 4 days.

The skin’s condition, life style, the kind of clothes worn and the skin type are individual factors that affect the tanning duration, which is guaranteed for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 7 days.

What is the frequency of treatments suggested to maintain tanning?

The That’so Sun Makeup tanning has no contraindications. Therefore, it may be utilized according to the need of the user in order to reach the desired color, to darken or to maintain the desired color. For a better absorption of the cosmetic onto the skin, it is advised to wait at least for 6 hours between one application and another.

Does That’so Sun Makeup spot the clothes?

The DHA reacts with the skin protein, not with fabrics. Therefore, they do not stain the clothes. Instead, the bronzer is a cosmetic coloring substance that can stain the clothes.

Therefore, when the products with bronzer is applied, the client should wear dark clothes and should take a shower before going to bed in order to avoid spots on bedding.

For any clothing, bed sheets, or fabrics that have been spotted with the bronzer, it will suffice to wash them with a neutral soap in order to eliminate any trace of color.

What effect does That’so Sun Makeup have on the nails, enamels and on acrylic-reconstructions?

Many solutions may stain the nails and other body areas. Hence it is suggested to use a barrier cream in order to protect the areas subject to spots.

With That´so Sun Makeup solution it is not necessary to use a barrier cream because it does not stain. After the session, it will be enough to remove the solution on the nails, on the palms and under the feet using a wet cloth.

Does That’so Sun Makeup make spots or discolor the hairs?

The That’so Sun Makeup solution does not penetrate the hair follicle. Therefore it neither stains nor does it color the hair follicle. It is important to wear a hairband to keep hair off face.

We DO NOT compromise your safety like some of our competition by putting a unprotected cheap metal grid in our tanning units. ALL Beds come with a top and bottom protective UV Acrylic shield. (A) Contraindication: This product is contraindicated for use on persons under the age of 18. (B) Contraindication: This product must not be used if skin lesions or open wounds are present. (C) Warning: This product should not be used on individuals who have had skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer. (D) Warning: Persons repeatedly exposed to UV radiation should be regularly evaluated for skin cancer. DISCLAIMER: The manufacturer reserves the right to make reasonable adjustments or substitutions at their discretion for refinements that improve the quality, appearance and performance of the product.